Lotus hybrid power for the Proton concept car

The PROTON Concept car, to be unveiled at the
Geneva Motor Show, showcases an advanced series
hybrid drivetrain, designed and developed by
Lotus Engineering.

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive
consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited today
announces its latest series hybrid vehicle
technology application in the PROTON Concept,
which will be unveiled at the 80th International
Geneva Motor Show. The complete hybrid
drivetrain in the PROTON Concept city car has
been developed by Lotus Engineering and it
includes the Lotus Range Extender engine,
designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city
car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be
unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva
Motor Show.

Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated
the complete drivetrain, including the
electrical drive system with single-speed
transmission, which delivers low emissions,
optimised performance and acceptable
electric-only operating range for city use. For
longer journeys, when the battery charge level
falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range
Extender engine is used to replenish the charge
in the battery and provide electrical power for
the drive motors. The battery can also be
recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to
achieve initial electric-only operation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus
Engineering said: “The hybrid drivetrain of the
PROTON Concept is another example of Lotus
Engineering’s expertise in electrical and
electronic systems and efficient performance
engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range
Extender engine, which we unveiled to great
acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last
year is perfectly suited for the advanced series
hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept
city car. It is an exciting example of the
diverse range of highly efficient total
propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering
continues to develop for its partners and
clients.”

PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director,
Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir
said, “Our collaboration with Lotus and
Italdesign on progressive technology and design
will further propel our competitiveness in the
world market. Through this association, we
strive to acquire and jointly develop new
knowledge, skills and technologies that will
ultimately benefit our customers.”